Marvel's The Defenders Clip: Alexandra & Madame Gao Plot

A newly-released clip for Marvel's The Defenders shows Alexandra (Sigourney Weaver) and Madame Gao (Wai Ching Ho) in a cryptic conversation. Set to arrive on Netflix next month, The Defenders sees Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter), Daredevil (Charlie Cox), and Iron Fist (Finn Jones) coming together to protect New York City from Alexandra and her villainous ways. They won't have it easy, though; Alexandra seems to have a strong cohort of Marvel villains already on her side, including Elektra and the aforementioned Madame Gao.

It's not often someone has the upper hand with Madame Gao, but in this latest clip from the show (see above), Alexandra puts her firmly in her place. Making her ties to The Hand clear, Alexandra and Madame Gao meet in the park to hold a cryptic conversation. Whatever the business at the Mayor's office is, things are obviously not moving quickly enough for The Defenders' central villain, and she makes sure Madame Gao knows it. Alexandra also, interestingly, goes firmly against Madame Gao's advice, and she doesn't seem to care whether the plan is conducted quietly or not.

Though there are not a lot of details concerning Weaver's character known just yet, we do know Alexandra has ties to The Hand, the ninja organization that has featured in Daredevil and Iron Fist. She is also responsible for bringing back Elektra; a dangerous and risky move, sure, but if she can exert that kind of power over Madame Gao, then Elektra should also remain firmly under her thumb. In the second Defenders trailer (which premiered at San Diego Comic-Con), Alexandra's voice-over points out that she's not so different to The Defenders; both believe they are in the right, and both are fighting to get back what was once theirs.

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In comments at Comic-Con, Weaver also pointed out still more similarities between Alexandra and the superhero team; hinting at a mutual respect that could well deliver an interesting dynamic between the good guys and the bad. Similar to Wilson Fisk, Alexandra conducts herself in a calm and dignified manner, but what lies beneath is pure evil.

The Defenders is packed full of Netflix Marvel characters; as well as the fearless foursome, the show brings back Foggy Nelson and Karen Page from Daredevil; Malcolm Ducasse and Trish Walker from Jessica Jones; Misty Knight from Luke Cage, and Coleen Wing from Iron Fist, among others.

Marvel’s The Defenders premieres on August 18th, followed by The Punisher season 1 later this fall. Premiere dates for the new seasons of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist have yet to be announced.